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We are excited to announce that Dr. Padma R. Chimata has been elected as the 2026 President of the Harris County Medical Society West Branch!
An estimated four million people in the United States have fibromyalgia, a chronic condition characterized by long-term, widespread pain along with fatigue, sleep disturbances, and emotional distress.
If you’re one of them, you’ve probably tried a variety of approaches to manage your symptoms, including prescription medication and physical therapy. However, in many cases, standard treatments aren’t enough to provide lasting relief. For true treatment progress, many patients find it essential to incorporate certain lifestyle strategies into their routine.
At Katy Rheumatology & Associates in Katy, Texas, double-board-certified rheumatologist Padma Chimata, MD, FACP, AGS, and our caring team specialize in helping patients with fibromyalgia restore a better quality of life. Here are four evidence-based lifestyle strategies that can reduce your fibromyalgia symptom flares and support improved well-being.
Here are four simple strategies that you can use to better manage fibromyalgia-related pain:
Poor sleep is a major trigger for fibromyalgia flares. Although there’s no sure-fire way to sleep better, a solid bedtime routine can go a long way toward helping you feel your best. We recommend keeping a regular bedtime, limiting screen time before bed, and keeping your sleep environment at a comfortably cool temperature.
Similarly, avoid caffeine or large amounts of liquid at least two hours before bed. You can also try writing down your worries and stressors in a notebook to clear your mind before sleep.
When your body hurts all over, exercise probably isn’t at the top of your priority list — but it’s essential for energy, mood, and improved flexibility. You don’t need to completely change your routine or get a gym membership, but you should aim to move your body for at least 30 minutes a day.
Start small with low-impact activities, such as walking, cycling, or yoga. Gradually increase intensity and duration over time, listening to your body as you go. If something feels “off” or causes pain, take a step back and rest. Overexerting yourself can actually worsen fibromyalgia symptoms in the short term.
Processed foods and drinks containing sugar or caffeine give you a quick energy boost, but often lead to a crash. You don’t have to eliminate your favorite treats, but be mindful of your meals and snacks, focusing on foods that help you maintain energy and good nutrition.
Emphasize fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Drink plenty of water throughout the day and keep a food journal. Whenever you notice that a specific food seems to worsen your fibromyalgia symptoms, take note. Over time, you’ll be able to see which dietary patterns support pain-free movement — and which aggravate your pain flares.
Many fibromyalgia patients notice that their symptoms worsen when they’re feeling stressed or depressed. This connection is understandable. When your body hurts all over, maintaining a positive mindset can be challenging. But you can take steps to improve your mood and outlook.
Regularly meditating, doing deep breathing exercises, taking a walk, or simply writing your thoughts down in a journal are all excellent ways to cope with strong emotions.
If you’re struggling, working with a licensed counselor or other mental health professional can teach you coping skills to manage pain more positively. Participating in online support or social media groups for people with fibromyalgia can also be beneficial.
Fibromyalgia pain can feel all-consuming, but a few small lifestyle changes can significantly improve your mobility and quality of life. If you’re living with fibromyalgia, but don’t know how to make consistent progress, we’re here to help.
Call Katy Rheumatology & Associates in Katy, Texas, today, or use our online booking feature to schedule an appointment at your convenience.
